News Summary
Residents in East Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and southwest North Carolina should brace for severe winter weather and high winds. A series of winter storms is expected, with snow accumulations in mountainous regions and gusty winds, including severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions and urges residents to stay updated on weather forecasts as the situation develops.
Morristown, Tennessee – A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued by the National Weather Service for portions of East Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and southwest North Carolina as a series of winter storms and high winds impact the region over the coming days. Residents should prepare for adverse weather conditions that could pose risks to travel and safety.
Expected weather patterns include scattered snow showers particularly affecting the mountainous regions of Virginia, northeast Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains. Areas with elevations above 2,500 to 3,000 feet are likely to experience light snowfall accumulation, with mountain peaks potentially receiving up to 3 inches of snow. In higher elevations, gusty winds reaching 35 mph are anticipated, resulting in wind chill temperatures plummeting into the teens.
The cold snap will see overnight wind chill temperatures dropping to single digits or slightly below zero, emphasizing the need for residents to dress warmly and exercise caution when going outdoors. As precipitation is expected to return on Sunday, it will begin as a wintry mix in certain areas. This may lead to a brief spell of snow and freezing rain before warmer temperatures transition the precipitation to rain.
The Cumberland Plateau and parts of southwest Virginia may see light ice accumulations during this period, raising concerns about hazardous travel conditions, especially in higher elevations and areas prone to ice. Additionally, strong, gusty winds are predicted in the East Tennessee mountains from Sunday night into Monday, with potential wind gusts of up to 60 mph likely to cause downed trees and power lines.
Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts throughout this weather event. The National Weather Service has warned about high winds, severe storms, and the potential for flash flooding across the area, especially as southerly winds begin to increase Friday afternoon and evening.
Extreme wind conditions are expected to develop overnight, accompanied by downslope winds in the mountainous areas and foothills, which could reach gusts of up to 70 mph. Late Friday night could see the development of a few strong to severe storms along and west of Interstate 75. If these storms maintain their strength, the primary threat will likely involve gusty winds that could lead to more damage.
The risk of damaging winds will continue into Saturday, with gusts possibly reaching 80 mph by evening in the mountains and foothills. The ongoing extreme winds raise concerns for the spread of existing wildfires in the region, contributing to a dynamic and dangerous weather situation.
Weather forecasts indicate that a severe weather outbreak is likely on Saturday into Saturday night across various parts of the eastern United States, including East Tennessee. The greatest threat will be along the Cumberland Plateau, southeast Tennessee, and southwest North Carolina, with the likelihood of widespread damaging winds, along with the potential risk of tornadoes and large hail.
With these conditions worsening throughout Saturday, multiple rounds of storms may develop, raising flash flooding concerns particularly west of Interstate 75 by Saturday evening. Residents should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as they navigate this hazardous weather period.
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Additional Resources
- Elizabethton: Hazardous Weather Outlook
- Wikipedia: National Weather Service
- WJHL: Drone Footage of Flooding
- Google Search: Tennessee Weather
- Elizabethton: Weather Outlook Issued
- Google Scholar: Weather Forecasting
- WJHL: Elizabethton Judge Applications
- Encyclopedia Britannica: East Tennessee
- Elizabethton: Weather Outlook for Region
- Google News: Winter Storms
